I.T. (Infinito & Thaione) Low Income Housing

Hailing from Chicago‘s Southside, Infinito and Thaione could very well be the next Windy City warriors to break through into the national consciousness. Though they‘ve put out other projects individually, Low Income Housing is their debut as a group, highlighting their skills on the mic (mostly Infinito) and with the beats (mostly Thaione). Soulful, loop-driven production drives rhymes that are smart without being preachy, extolling the virtues of self-empowerment and real hip-hop. "Casual Liberation," "You Are Not It," and the horn and clap-driven "My Life Creation #63" are standouts, but the whole LP is sharp. Keep an eye on these cats.